11 instant reactions from Commanders' preseason loss against the Lions

Commanders' defense flexes its muscle under Daronte Jones

Daronte Jones is getting a good tune out of his defense. The Washington Commanders took a big risk by giving the first-time NFL play-caller the job, but the impact made throughout the offseason once again came across during an encouraging preseason outing.

Jones wanted two things from his defense above all else. He wanted the Commanders to apply consistent pressure and his unit to convert more opportunities into takeaways. The players have responded positively, and both key elements were visible against the Detroit Lions.

If this trend continues when the real action arrives, the Commanders' defense will be a surprise some around the league just won't see coming.

Ale Kaho is complicating the Commanders' linebacker dynamic

The Commanders have Frankie Luvu, free-agent signing Leo Chenal, and No. 7 pick Sonny Styles leading the charge at linebacker. What comes after that remains unclear, but Ale Kaho couldn't be doing much more to stake his claim.

Kaho has been something of a forgotten man this offseason. The 2025 undrafted free agent has made improvements, but others are obviously getting more hype. Even so, his performance against the Lions is sure to complicate the dynamic at Washington's second level of defense.

The former UCLA tone-setter was all over the field in this one. Kaho made a couple of impressive stops against the run and made his presence felt on special teams. It could still go either way, but don't count him out just yet.

Julian Good-Jones is becoming Commanders' easiest cut

Jayden Daniels was on the field for three plays. He was pressured. He was sacked, and he didn't connect on his only pass attempt. And during this series, Julian Good-Jones was at fault every time.

The Commanders took a big risk at center this offseason, releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz and replacing him with Nick Allegretti. He's been dealing with a calf strain and wasn't risked versus the Lions, but it's obvious that Good-Jones is not capable of filling the void effectively.

This is a problem. A big problem.

Adam Peters needs to rethink his strategy. It would be a massive risk to stand pat, and an even bigger risk to take Good-Jones through onto the 53-man roster.

Jaden Bradley's big highlight at the best possible time

The wide receiver numbers game will come with some difficult decisions for Adam Peters, Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator David Blough. It will be decided by fine margins, which is why Jaden Bradley's big highlights came at the best possible time.

Bradley is considered a long shot to make the roster as an undrafted free agent in a crowded room. However, he showcased his ball skills with a sensational one-handed catch against the Lions, coming down with the football despite being held for the day's most memorable play.

It might not change much in the grand scheme of things. But another performance like this versus the Baltimore Ravens might not go unnoticed by teams looking for help off the waiver wire if he doesn't quite do enough to make the team.

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